国际英语新闻：Israeli security cabinet declares 35 groups 'terrorist organizations'

JERUSALEM, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Security Cabinet Wednesday held a comprehensive discussion on the issue of Global Jihad and declared 35 al-Qaida and Taliban-affiliated groups as "terrorist organizations."

    According to an Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) statement sent to Xinhua, the 35 organizations are active mainly in Pakistan, Afghanistan and North African countries and direct their activities against Western nations, and not necessarily against Israel.

    The move was a significant measure in the international struggle against the financing of terrorism and was designed to put Israel in line with Western countries, especially the United States, which are also using economic means in dealing with terrorism and assist Israel in locating funds designated for terrorist organizations in the Middle East, said the PMO.

    The decision expanded upon existing decisions against active anti-Israel organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas, said the statement.

    The decision obligates banks and financial institutions to report any activity suspected of being related to these organizations to Israel Money Laundering and Terror Financing Prohibition Authority, it added.